Leicester Tigers confirms that Izaia Perese and James O' Connor will depart the club at the end of the season.

Izzy has offered some great moments in big games and applies himself diligently during training.  He’s been fantastic to work with, and I think that due to his carry being so impactful his defensive work at 13 goes unheralded. Izzy will always be part of the Leicester Tigers and we wish him and his family all the best for the future."

Fly-half O'Connor joined Tigers at the conclusion of his international duties with Australia in the 2025 Rugby Championship. 

He has made 10 appearances for the club this season, scoring one try and 12 conversions, while offering hugely valuable leadership and experience to the squad.

O'Connor also featured as Tigers won the PREM Cup at Mattioli Woods Welford Road last month, capping his performance with a try.

The 35 year old said, "Firstly I’d like to thank the Tigers fans, truly has been an awesome experience playing in front of a packed out Mattioli Woods Welford Road."

"To my team mates, coaches and the organisation. Thank you for welcoming us into your family and making the transition back North seamless."

"But for now, my eyes are still firmly on the business end of this season. I truly feel this group can go all the way and I’m eager to help us achieve this goal."

"It was great to get Rabs (James O'Connor) with us, and he has been brilliant in bringing an experienced, calming influence to our group of backs. We’ve seen the emergence of Billy and Landy which has led to less game time than first imagined, but he’s still had a huge impact on what we do and even dipped his toe into coaching with us during the Prem Cup. He’ll continue to contribute massively to the run in and bring ideas and diligence in what he does."

Geoff Parling

Everyone at Leicester Tigers wishes both JOC and Izzy the best in the future and thanks them for their efforts in Green, Red and White.